2020-2021 New Student Registration

Jul 29, 2020 | News

Registration for all students new to the Elkhorn Public Schools (EPS) district will be held Tuesday, August 4, and Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at all EPS buildings.  New students are required to set up an appointment for New Student Registration by contacting his/her assigned building.

To confirm your school assignment and review the list of required documentation, please visit the New Students page.

Elementary Schools

Arbor View Elementary 402-289-1007
Blue Sage Elementary 402-332-0125
Fire Ridge Elementary 402-289-0735
Hillrise Elementary 402-289-2602
Manchester Elementary 402-289-2590
Spring Ridge Elementary 402-637-0204
Sagewood Elementary 402-289-9078
Skyline Elementary 402-289-3433
West Bay Elementary 402-289-9045
West Dodge Station Elementary 402-289-2773
Westridge Elementary 402-289-2559
Woodbrook Elementary 402-289-2579
(Central Office until Woodbrook has a phone number)

Middle Schools

Elkhorn Grandview Middle School 402-289-9399
Elkhorn Middle School 402-289-2428
Elkhorn Ridge Middle School 402-334-9302
Elkhorn Valley View Middle School 402-289-0362

 High Schools

Elkhorn High School 402-289-4239
Elkhorn North High School 402-289-4239
(Elkhorn High number until Elkhorn North has a phone number)
Elkhorn South High School 402-289-0616

EPS 2020 Return to School Blueprint

Jun 30, 2020 | News

Update: July 31, 2020

Everyone acknowledges that a full return to in-classroom learning is a best-case scenario for our students’ educational advancement and social-emotional well-being so we are continuing to work to balance those needs with the competing interests of a pandemic.  While we understand that there are current concerns about an increase in cases within Douglas County, we also believe that we need to take the first steps of returning to school so we can establish routines, find success in our protocols, and work towards normalcy for our children.  Teaching our students to read, write, think critically, and other essential skills are functions that we do not take lightly.  While we will continue to closely monitor all guidance provided by public health officials regarding the start of the 2020-2021 school year, our previously-stated plan to open our schools at near capacity on August 18th, 2020, remains in place.  There is nothing easy about these circumstances, but we take these steps fully aware of the necessary fluidity of the situation.  We also want you to assure you that the health and safety of your children will continue to be our priority as we return back to the classroom.

We heard from our community that offering a remote option would be beneficial for students and families with health and safety concerns.  While there is no way to fully duplicate the work of our teachers and staff remotely, we are working to be able to provide remote learning accommodation plans.  If this option is preferable for your family, please review the Remote Learning overview information and complete this Remote Learning Accommodations Request Form no later than Friday, August 7, 2020.  Our intent is to honor parent judgment for these requests.

We understand that the threat of the virus remains, and we must take all prudent steps to make our schools as safe as possible.  Local health experts inform that the layering of safety protocols such as frequent surface cleaning, symptom checks, hand washing, social distancing, and masks are our best defense against the spread, thus, allowing us to stay in school. We heard differing opinions on the wearing of masks over the past month.  However, we must proceed with the requirement that all students and faculty will wear masks.  An enforceable mask protocol was a common message from our staff and will be an especially helpful layer in keeping everyone healthy as teachers and staff are essential to our ability to remain in session.  Additionally, students attending in-person learning are expected to adhere to all health guidelines, protocols, and procedures.  Attendance at school will serve as your agreement to these terms.  A full, detailed list of our updated health and safety protocols for this upcoming school year can be found here.

We anticipate that there will be quarantines, creating cycles through which we move from in-person to distance learning.  Furthermore, updated health directives and requirements from state or local officials may be issued which could require a change in the amount of in-person learning allowed.  With this in mind, we continue to refine several contingency plans that may need to be implemented at any time throughout the school year to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and community.  You can view information about EPS Contingency plans here.  We urge you to have back-up childcare plans in place in response to all of these plans because this is a fluid situation that could require us to change course with limited notice.

Understandably, there are no perfect options before us, and none that we expect everyone to agree with completely. However, we believe that these plans represent a balanced solution that puts the educational experiences of Elkhorn’s children first, honors the needs of families by offering a remote option, and responds to the concerns of staff members regarding masks and safety.  Notably, our teachers, staff, administration, and Board of Education have been so supportive in navigating these challenges.  At this time, we feel it is not in the best interests of our students or families to proceed indefinitely with a distance-only option. Likewise, it is not acceptable to implement any in-person experiences without taking every precaution available to protect our students and staff members from the harm this virus may bring.

Our continued community partnership is essential as we take the steps necessary to navigate this pandemic, and we appreciate your patience, support, and cooperation going forward.  Please continue to monitor your email, as principals and teachers will begin to communicate in the coming weeks with specific school and classroom based routines and protocols.

Sincerely,

 

Bary Habrock, Superintendent

 

Remote Learning Accommodations Plans

Safety Protocols

EPS Contingency Plans

As of July 1, 2020

We continue to closely monitor all guidance from public health officials regarding our return to school for the 2020-2021 school year.  In reviewing this information, and in alignment with the recent announcement from both the Governor and the Commissioner of Education to return to in-person learning, we have the resolve to welcome nearly 100% of students to school for in-classroom instruction on our originally scheduled date of Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Notably, construction at both Elkhorn North High School and Woodbrook Elementary continues to progress as expected, and both schools will be prepared for in-classroom learning on August 18.

Everyone acknowledges that a full return to in-classroom learning is a best-case scenario for our students’ educational advancement.  Additionally, the social-emotional well-being of our students is in play as most want and need to be back in school.  However, we understand that some students and/or families may have health concerns that will prohibit their students from returning to in-classroom instruction at this time.  Accommodations can be made to assist with these circumstances by contacting Executive Director of Student Services Anne Doerr at adoerr@epsne.org.

The safety of all is the sole motivation for our return to school protocols because we cannot ignore that the threat of this virus remains, and we must take all prudent steps to keep our schools from becoming the uninterrupted source by which it spreads in our community.  Local health experts inform that the layering of safety protocols such as frequent surface cleaning, symptom checks, hand washing, social distancing, and masks are our best defense against the spread thus allowing us to stay in school.  To this end, we expect that mask-wearing will be an important measure to be utilized to further protect the health of our students and staff while in school.  Students and staff will be expected to wear masks as much as reasonable and appropriate.  Principals and teachers will work with students and families on what is reasonable and appropriate for each individual student.  Your help is essential in creating as safe of an environment as possible, navigating public-health imperatives, and helping us stay in session, which is the best option for most students. Detailed safety protocols for this upcoming school year can be found here.

We must also anticipate that there will be outbreaks, creating cycles through which we move from in-person to remote learning.  Furthermore, updated health directives and requirements from state or local officials may be issued which could require a change in the amount of in-person learning allowed.  With this in mind, we have created several backup plans that may need to be implemented at any time throughout the school year to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and community.  You can view information about EPS Contingency plans here.

We will continue to refine our plans, but we wanted to provide this update in full transparency of our best intentions for students and staff in August.  Follow-up communication will also be sent by building principals in early August with additional information and detailed plans for building-specific procedures and activities.  We also understand that extracurricular and co-curricular activities are an important part of the school experience, and we remain hopeful that these can be offered safely for our students.

We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate the challenges that are sure to come. Our continued community partnership is essential as we take this step towards normalcy and unify our resolve to return to school with the necessary safety measures for our students and staff.

 

Sincerely,

Bary Habrock, Superintendent

EPS Now Providing Free Meals to Youth

Apr 24, 2020 | News

Update: May 13, 2020
Free meals will be offered for all children, ages 1-18, through June 30, 2020.  Pick up location remains Elkhorn High School, but pick up times have changed and are reflected below.

Monday-Wednesday: 11:00 – 12:30
Thursday: 10:00 – 12:30

 

As of 04-27-2020
EPS was recently approved for a waiver allowing us to begin providing free meals for children ages 1-18 in our community.  In response to this waiver, beginning on Monday, April 27, 2020, free breakfast and lunch will be available to any child, ages 1-18, even if a child is not an EPS student.  Additionally, adult meals will no longer be available to purchase.

Pickup will take place Monday-Thursday from 11:30-12:30 at Elkhorn High School, 1401 Veterans Drive, Elkhorn, NE 68022.  Meals picked up on Thursday will include breakfast and lunch for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

To assist with our planning, we would appreciate it if you would complete the linked survey weekly regarding the number of breakfasts and lunches you plan to pick up.
EPS Free Meal Ordering Form

Please contact lunch@epsne.org or call 402-289-0443 with questions.

Temporary Distance Learning Plan Information

Mar 23, 2020 | News

We now know that schools will be closed until at least April 30th, and we also know that this will create many challenges for families.  We would prefer to be greeting your children at our doors over the next few weeks but in the interests of community well-being, that will not be possible. Elkhorn Public Schools is committed to supporting families as we work together to continue learning experiences for students during this extended closure.

Over a very short time, district office staff, principals, and teachers have come together to develop a Temporary Distance Learning Plan (TDLP). Our official launch date will be Thursday, March 26th.  We know that many of our teachers have been anxious to connect with their students and you may have already received communications; however, due to the fact that we are still working to get Chromebooks to some families we will officially begin the TDLP on Thursday. Our goal is to have at least one district-issued device available per family. If you have not already received specific communication, teachers will reach out to you over the next couple of days with more information about the plan.

The purpose of the TDLP is to provide a meaningful continuation of learning for students during this extended closure. It will also provide structure and predictability during a time that will feel very uncertain for many students and adults. The plan includes a schedule for each grade level. Distance learning will be a combination of independent practice for students, along with times for live online interaction that will allow students to see and talk with their teachers and classmates in grades K-12.  For our earliest learners who are younger than five, teachers will be interacting with caregivers on a regular basis. In addition, special educators will reach out to families to provide ongoing support during this closure.

Independent practice will occur all five days of the week unless there is a scheduled vacation in the school calendar.  The live online learning experiences will take place Monday through Thursday each week. The plan involves a schedule that includes morning hours for elementary students and afternoon hours for middle school and high school students.  Staggering these schedules allows for older students to share their district-issued device with younger students should this be needed.

A site has been created and linked below to provide you with details for the district plan, along with other resources. Please review the plan as we prepare for a Thursday launch.
Temporary Distance Learning Plan Parent Resources

Pg. 3 Introduction
Pgs. 3-6 School Roles and Responsibilities
Pg. 7 Student Roles and Responsibilities
Pg. 7 Parent Roles and Responsibilities
Pg. 8 General Guidelines
Pg. 9 Preschool
Pg. 10 Kindergarten, First, and Second Grades
Pg. 11 Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grades
Pg. 12 Middle School
Pg. 13 High School

Again, it is understood that the current situation creates many challenges and hardships for all families.  As a school district, we count ourselves as very fortunate for the strength of our community and the dedication of our families. We will get through this together even if we have to do it at a distance.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

EPS District Closure

Mar 12, 2020 | News

Update: April 1, 2020
On Wednesday, April 1, Governor Ricketts issued a Directed Health Measure stating that all Nebraska schools are to operate without students in their buildings through May 31.  Following this directive, EPS buildings will remain closed and Distance Learning will continue for the duration of the 2019-2020 school year. We know that this decision is not the end result that was hoped for, but we also understand that continued social distancing is necessary to protect the health of our community.  As a reminder, April 9-10 are scheduled No School Days for students per our school calendar, and we will honor those prescheduled days off. 

The official last student day will be Friday, May 15th.  Schedules and processes to return Chromebooks and materials including student check-out will be set for the following week.  More communication will be forthcoming as we approach the end of the school year for students and staff.  

New resources have been added to the Temporary Distance Learning Plan (TDLP) Parent Website including updated steps to submit a ticket for all technical issues and required repair appointment information.  See the above website or the email from your building principal for full details.

Additionally, grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meals will continue to be offered through the end of the school year.  To place your weekly order, please use this Google Form.  This link can always be found on the Parent Resources webpage under Food Resources, but will not continue to emailed out on a weekly basis. 

The safety and well-being of students and families remain a top priority.  Please see the following resources related to mental health, Safe2Help Reporting, food resources, etc. https://sites.google.com/epsne.org/elkhorntdlpparentsite/resources-for-parents

We remain committed to doing everything we can for our students and families during these uncertain times, and we appreciate your continued partnership.  Your support matters!

 

Update: March 17, 2020
In continuing our commitment to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and community, Elkhorn Public Schools will extend our current closure effective immediately per the Nebraska Department of Education.  At this time, we do not have a tentative return date, but we will continue to work with state and local officials to evaluate the community’s situation every two weeks to determine next steps. We will continue to monitor and communicate with public health officials to determine when it is safe for our students and staff to return.  

As was mentioned in a previous communication to our families, EPS is committed to continuing learning experiences for our students during this closure.  An email is forthcoming later today from your principal with next steps.

As a reminder, the effectiveness of an extended school closure as a public health strategy to prevent the spread is predicated on limiting contact with others and following social distancing guidelines when travel is essential.  We ask that staff, families and community members follow the guidance of the CDC and Douglas County Health Department to limit exposure to others to best assist in stopping the spread in our community.

 

Update: March 12, 2020
In a proactive effort to limit possible exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Elkhorn Public Schools will be closed beginning tonight at 6:00 PM through Monday, March 23, 2020, noting that spring break is scheduled for March 19, 20, and 23. The closure affects all programming throughout the District, including all athletic and extracurricular practices and competitions, weekend events, and EKC before- and after-school programs.

This situation is fluid; thus, we plan to communicate weekly on our closure status and will provide an update on Friday, March 20th. If this closure is extended, remote learning plans will be communicated to families by Monday, March 23rd. We affirm our commitment to continue learning objectives during the closure if extended beyond next week.

We are in a serious community health crisis and global pandemic that requires extraordinary measures. It is important to communicate that the effectiveness of this public health strategy to prevent the spread is predicated on limiting contact with others and following social distancing guidelines when travel is essential.

It is important to note that at this time, there are no active COVID-19 cases within EPS. However, the well-being of students and staff remains a top priority; thus, the decision to close. Please know this was not an easy decision and we do not take it lightly. We realize that we are making decisions that sometimes create new questions but please continue to be patient and supportive as we work through the issues together. This is a rapidly changing situation and we will monitor and adapt our plans as new information and guidance are provided.